Book Review: The Fiancé Dilemma

If, like me, you read Elena Armas’s The Long Game, and found yourself fascinated by Green Oak, North Carolina’s mayor-slash coffee shop owner-slash Jill of all trades Josie Moore, and wanted her to get a happy ending after the bombshell revelation that she and Adalyn were half-sisters, then you’re in luck! Armas’s latest, The Fiancé Dilemma is exactly that and more.

The story follows Josie, now swept up into a PR crisis not of her making, after her identity is revealed in a less-than-flattering profile of Andrew Underwood, Adalyn’s dad and Josie’s biological father. A PR rep arrives in Green Oak in damage control mode, and immediately tries to take control of Josie’s narrative, and things spiral when she’s led to believe Josie is engaged (for the 5th time) to Matthew, Adalyn’s best friend who is in town for a visit.

I’m a big sucker for heroines who clearly have it together, but don’t fit the stereotypical bill of what a “woman who has it all together” looks like. For all that Josie doesn’t always seem to believe in herself, she’s obviously a beloved community leader, someone who makes sure everyone’s needs are met, and runs a successful business. She also just has so much love to give, and I admit I have a soft spot for that too.

For his part, Matthew is every bit the swoony romance hero we like to see. He’s sweet, considerate, clearly head over heels for Josie, even when she thinks their fake relationship is still fake. Really, if there’s one regret I have with the book, I wish we could have spent more time in his head. Luckily he’s the type of hero who wears his feelings openly, and communicates them, but I’d have loved to get a peek at what he’s thinking at some of the story’s more pivotal moments.

I greatly enjoyed what we did get though, and The Fiancé Dilemma was absolutely jam packed with moments that were both Hallmark-sweet and delightfully steamy, making it the perfect beach or poolside read as we head into the warmer months.

The Fiancé Dilemma hits shelves on July 30. Special thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the advance copy for review purposes.